President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s aviation sector for attaining a 91.45 per cent safety rating in the latest audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the development as a major milestone that reinforces Nigeria’s position in global aviation.
The ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for setting international aviation standards, conducted the assessment under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.
According to the statement, “Nigeria recorded an impressive 91.45 per cent Effective Implementation score, the highest ever achieved by the country since the inception of the audit programme.”
The score places Nigeria significantly above the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.
Tinubu said the achievement reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and positioning the aviation sector as a key driver of economic growth.
“This rating affirms Nigeria’s aviation safety standards and enhances its attractiveness for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance and airline operations,” he said.
He noted that his administration had prioritised the development of a safe, secure and efficient aviation industry capable of meeting international standards.
The President also commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo, for the progress recorded.
“The Ministry has demonstrated commitment to improving safety compliance, which is critical to sustaining growth in the sector,” Tinubu said.
He, however, urged the ministry to build on the achievement by implementing all recommendations made by ICAO auditors.
“We must not relent. Every recommendation by the ICAO team should be fully implemented to ensure that Nigeria not only sustains this rating but improves further,” he added.
The President said the improved rating would boost international confidence in Nigeria’s airspace and strengthen its ambition to become a leading aviation hub beyond the African continent.